Positional Differentiating Connector Assembly

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure provides systems and methods for securing an information network through positional distinguishing of connectors and adapters. A communications connector system associated with the present disclosure includes at least a first patch cord connector assembly including a patch cord terminated at least at one end by a duplex connector. The duplex connector includes: (i) a connector housing clip adapted to enclose and securely position at least a portion of the terminated end of the patch cord and at least a portion of each of a pair of ferrule housings; and (ii) a pair of connector subassemblies. Each subassembly defines an inner cavity to allow a ferrule mounted with respect to one of the pair of ferrule housings to pass through the connector subassembly. Each of the subassemblies extend outwardly with respect to the connector housing clip and the ferrule housings and are adapted to securely mate with a corresponding pair of receptacles. An adapter associated with the present disclosure includes a housing defining a width that is dimensioned to host the pair of receptacles that are spaced apart with respect to each other. The width is selected so as to accommodate receptacle spacing of up to a pitch value of 3p. The pair of connector subassemblies are spaced apart a particular pitch value (p) and the pair of corresponding receptacles are spaced apart an equal pitch value (p) In an exemplary embodiment, a system according to the present disclosure includes a plurality of adapters and corresponding connector assemblies. Each adapter and corresponding connector assembly is pitched a different pitch value (p).

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for securing afiber optic network assembly through a positional differentiatingconnector and adapter solution.

2. Background Art

Many transactions take place everyday over the Internet, increasing aneed for secure Ethernet communications. Typically, network security ishandled in an Ethernet's layers 2-7, providing packet encryption anddecryption algorithms up to 256 bit, which is generally consideredvirtually unbreakable by mathematicians and programmers alike. Althoughthese security techniques have generally been successful in preventing anon-physical security breach, they do not prevent physical tampering oraccess to secure data channels. For example, encryption and decryptionalgorithms do not prevent a person internal to an organization fromgaining physical access to secure data channels from which said personis restricted. A person having a low level security clearance can sit atanother person's workstation who has a higher level of securityclearance and thereby access data or information restricted from saidindividual.

Keyed solutions are effective for preventing additional forms ofundesired network access/connection other than to protect againstsecurity breach. Keyed solutions are effective in preventing accidentalaccess/connections associated with a particular network system orenvironment. This prevents access when no vicious or malicious intentexisted to access a particular data stream or network. Ultimately, akeyed solution prevents a casual user from accessing an incorrectnetwork.

To combat security breach, companies and military bases alike promoteisolated networks in the premise environment starting at the data centeror main computer room. The use of keying connectors at the userworkspace or computer terminal is rapidly becoming a preferred methodfor preventing or controlling connectivity or access to a securenetwork.

In a keyed connector scenario, an environment, such as a secure financecenter at an insurance company or a military installation such as thePentagon, is universally equipped with keyed fiber optic adapters ateach user workstation. As used herein, the term “adapter” isinterchangeable with the term “coupler” and refers to a device thatcreates a connection between two fiber optic ferrules, each containing alight carrying medium of fiber. An adapter typically contains a ceramicor phosphorous bronze alignment sleeve and a number offeatures/structures that facilitate latching the connector into theadapter. A MT-RJ adapter, however, does not include an alignment sleeve;rather, the fibers are aligned by precision pins and holes on the matingconnector ferrules.

In a non-secured environment, a user of a network is typically providedwith a generic patch cable to attach a laptop or desktop to a network.Thus, the generic patch cable can generally interface with any availabledata port in a building and provides connectivity to the user's workstation computer or laptop. In a typical secured environment, a networkdesigner seeks to isolate aspects of the network, e.g., by providing adifferent connector configuration to each of the network securitylevels. For example, a user is given a patch cable commensurate with theuser's assigned security level. If the user attempts to insert the givenconnector/patch cable into any adapter other than one designed for it,the connector will not fit and a network connection will not be made.Typically, in such implementations, network connection is preventedbecause the connector will not engage the adapter to the full depth. Anetwork connection will only be made when a matching connector andadapter are mated. Generally, the mechanism preventing the light frommoving from one connector to the other is a gap between the two fibers.To be clear, the gap is created because the two ferrule end faces areheld at a sufficiently preventative distance from each other if the keysare not compatible. These keyed connectors are typically color coded soas to indicate different security levels and/or differentiate networks.

Current exemplary keyed connector systems are described in CanadianPatent Application No. 2,441,872, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,960,025 and7,207,724, and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2005/0117850. Thesepatents/publications provide for unique connector-to-adapter interfacegeometries through a key-and-slot methodology. Particularly, thesepatents/publications disclose embodiments wherein a boss defined on anasymmetric circle is adapted to mate with an asymmetric key having aprotrusion that is adapted to effectively fit with the appropriate boss.

Despite efforts to date, a need exists for effective secured connectorsystems and solutions capable of preventing physical network access withunauthorized patch cords. These and other needs are addressed and/orovercome by the assemblies and methods of the present disclosure.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides effective systems and methods forachieving a positional differentiating connector fiber network. In anexemplary embodiment, a communications connector system associated withthe present disclosure includes at least a first connector assemblyincluding a patch cord terminated at least at one end by a duplexconnector. The duplex connector includes: (i) a connector housing clipadapted to enclose and securely position at least a portion of theterminated end of the patch cord and at least a portion of each of apair of ferrule housings; and (ii) a pair of connector subassemblies.Each subassembly defines an inner cavity that is configured anddimensioned to allow a ferrule mounted with respect to one of the pairof ferrule housings to pass through the connector subassembly and eachof the subassemblies extend outwardly with respect to the connectorhousing clip and the ferrule housings.

The subassemblies are adapted to securely mate with a corresponding pairof receptacles associated with an adapter. In an exemplary embodiment, afirst adapter includes a housing defining a width that is dimensioned tohost a pair of receptacles that are spaced apart with respect to eachother. The width is generally selected so as to accommodate receptaclespacing of up to 3p. The pair of receptacles are positioned within aface of each adapter and are adapted to mate with the pair of connectorsubassemblies. The pair of connector subassemblies are spaced apart aparticular pitch value (p) and the pair of corresponding receptacles arespaced apart an equal pitch value (p).

According to the present disclosure, pitch value (p) is defined suchthat “1p” corresponds to the spaced apart distance between center linespassing through ferrules associated with an industry standard duplexconnector/adapter. In an exemplary embodiment associated with thepresent disclosure, the pitch value (p) associated with the spacing of aconnector and/or an adapter assembly is not equal to one. For purposesof the present disclosure, the term “receptacle” may be usedinterchangeably with one or both of the terms “port” and “cavity” to theextent the context so permits.

Typically, the adapter corresponds to a particular network and eachreceptacle associated with the inner cavity defines an optical pathwayto allow optical from the corresponding mating connector assembly andthe network. Exemplary receptacles associated with the adapter eachinclude a ferrule alignment sleeve adapted to receive and align theferrule to facilitate communication between the connector assembly andthe corresponding network.

In further exemplary embodiments, each connector subassembly includes atrigger feature formed on a top surface of the subassembly extendingrearwardly and upwardly with respect to the top surface of thesubassembly. The housing clip further includes a thumb clip formed on atop surface of the housing clip extending forwardly and upwardly withrespect to the top surface of the housing clip. The thumb clip isadapted to simultaneously depress each of the trigger featuresassociated with each of the pair of subassemblies. In an even furtherexemplary embodiment, each connector subassembly includes a push-pulllatching mechanism for inserting and securing the connector with respectto the adapter. A push-pull latching mechanism is typically utilizedwith respect to an MU connector and/or an SC connector.

The present disclosure provides for systems wherein the pitch value (p)ranges up to 3p. In an exemplary embodiment, the patch cord is a zipcord and is split into two independent leads, each terminated by asingle fiber connector and then retained in a duplex clip. The patchcord is typically a fiber optic patch cord adapted to facilitatecommunication within a fiber optic network. Each of the receptacles ofthe adapter may further include a protruding boss feature and each ofthe subassemblies define a relief adapted to cooperate with theprotruding boss feature.

The present disclosure provides for a communications connector systemincluding a plurality of adapters. Each adapter corresponds to aparticular information network and is adapted to mate with a particularconnector assembly. Each connector assembly includes a cord terminatedat least at one end by a duplex connector. Exemplary duplex connectorsinclude: (i) a connector housing clip adapted to enclose and securelyposition at least a portion of the terminated end of the cord and atleast a portion of each of a pair of ferrule housings; and (ii) a pairof connector subassemblies, each subassembly defining an inner cavity toallow a ferrule mounted with respect to one of the pair of ferrulehousings to pass through the connector subassembly, each of thesubassemblies extend outwardly with respect to the connector housingclip and the ferrule housings and are adapted to securely mate with acorresponding pair of receptacles.

Each adapter generally includes a housing defining a width that isdimensioned to host a pair of receptacles that are spaced apart withrespect to each other. The width is generally selected so as toaccommodate receptacle spacing of up to 3p. The pair of receptacles arepositioned within a face of each adapter and are adapted to mate withthe pair of connector subassemblies. Each pair of connectorsubassemblies and each pair of corresponding receptacles are spacedapart a particular pitch value (p). Each of the plurality of connectorassemblies will mate and cooperate with a corresponding pair ofreceptacles spaced apart an equal pitch value (p).

In an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of adapters andcorresponding connector assemblies include receptacles and subassembliesspaced apart a different pitch value (p) from any other pair of adaptersand corresponding connector assemblies of the plurality of adapters andconnector assemblies. In a further exemplary embodiment, each pitchvalue (p) associated with each spaced apart pair of receptacles andcorresponding subassemblies is in a range from about 1p to about 3p.

The present disclosure provides systems that include a wall platehosting a plurality of adapters. Each of the plurality of adaptersadvantageously includes a pair of receptacles spaced apart a differentpitch value (p) from any other adapter of the plurality of adapters. Inan exemplary embodiment, the wall plate includes at least threeadapters. In a further exemplary embodiment, one of the three adaptersis a 1.5p adapter defining a 1.5p spacing between each receptacle of thepair of receptacles, another of the three adapters is a 2p adapterdefining a 2p spacing between each receptacle of the pair ofreceptacles, and another of the three adapters is a 2.5p adapterdefining a 2.5p spacing between each receptacle of the pair ofreceptacles.

In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of adapters can be included ina member selected from the group consisting of modular cassettes andpatch panels. The plurality of connector assemblies can be included in acord system selected from the group consisting of a patch cable system,a trunk cable system and a horizontal cabling system.

Typically, each of the plurality of adapters corresponding to aparticular information network facilitates communication between acorresponding connector assembly and the network when mated with theparticular adapter. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the adapters andcorresponding connector assemblies are marked with a correspondingvisual identification selected from the group consisting of color,alphanumeric, symbol and combinations thereof.

The present disclosure provides a method for securing a communicationsnetwork system, including the steps of: (a) providing a plurality ofadapters, each adapter corresponding to a particular information networkand each adapter includes a pair of receptacles hosted within a housingdefining a width that is dimensioned to host the pair of receptaclesthat are spaced apart with respect to each other, the width is selectedso as to accommodate receptacle spacing of up to a pitch value of 3p;(b) providing a plurality of patch cord connector assemblies, each patchcord connector assembly includes a patch cord terminated at least at oneend by a duplex connector, the duplex connector includes: (i) aconnector housing clip adapted to enclose and securely position at leasta portion of the terminated end of the patch cord and at least a portionof each of a pair of ferrule housings; and (ii) a pair of connectorsubassemblies, each subassembly defining an inner cavity to allow aferrule mounted with respect to one of the pair of ferrule housings topass through the connector subassembly, each of the subassemblies extendoutwardly with respect to the connector housing clip and the ferrulehousings and are adapted to securely mate with a corresponding pair ofreceptacles associated with a corresponding adapter; and (c) spacingapart each of the pair of connector subassemblies and each of the pairof corresponding receptacles particular pitch value (p). Each of theplurality of connector assemblies will mate and cooperate with acorresponding pair of receptacles spaced apart an equal pitch value (p).

Additional features, functions and benefits of the disclosed systems andmethods will be apparent from the description which follows,particularly when read in conjunction with the appended figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To assist those of ordinary skill in the art in making and using thedisclosed systems and methods, reference is made to the appendedfigures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustrating a plurality of exemplary connectorassemblies and adapters associated with the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary connectorassembly;

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustrating a multi-adapter embodiment associatedwith the present disclosure; and

FIG. 4 is a front face view of an exemplary adapter and an exemplaryconnector assembly illustrating a boss and relief feature.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S)

The present disclosure provides assemblies and methods that include,inter alia, positional differentiating fiber optic connector and adapterassemblies for isolating secure networks. In an exemplary embodiment,this differentiation is achieved using standard, non-keyed LC connectorshaving a duplex clip assembly. A duplex clip assembly arrangement offersat least the following two particular advantages:

-   -   (i) The duplex clip is adapted to hold two connectors having a        predetermined relationship for transmitting and receiving        optical data signals. Accordingly, the duplex clip provides for        a transmit connector and the receive connector positioned in a        fixed side by side relationship. This prevents an operator        and/or user of the duplex assembly from connecting to a network        in a polarity scheme that will not transmit data; and    -   (ii) The duplex clip assembly arrangement can be utilized to        control the span or pitch between the two side by side        connectors. Controlling the span/pitch between the two side by        side connectors allows for the limiting of possible connections        that may be made with special pitch adapters.

Existing systems utilize a duplex arrangement of connectors mating withan adapter or coupler. The adapter or coupler, typically referred to asa duplex adapter, includes at least a pair of receptacles (oftenreferred to as ports or jacks) adapted to receive the duplex connector.In an effort to increase connector density, a four receptacle or Quadadapter is used that includes four side by side receiving receptaclesformed in a single housing. Typically, the adapters associated with thepresent disclosure include a first and second section, each definingopenings adapted to receive a fiber optic connector and each openingfacing opposite directions like 2 mirror images. The sections can beultra-sonically welded or glued together. In a particular embodiment,before they are welded together, a manufacturer inserts ceramicalignment sleeves in the receptacles from behind.

With reference to the quad adapter, generally, the four receptacles aredistinguished into two pairs: a first side by side pair corresponding toa first network and a second side by side pair corresponding to a secondnetwork. Each pair is adapted to receive and/or mate with a singleduplex connector. One of the receptacles of each pair of receptacles istypically a transmission receptacle and the other receptacle of the pairis a receiving receptacle.

In an exemplary embodiment, the quad adapter includes a housing having afirst receptacle side and an opposite second receptacle side. Eachreceiving side defines four receptacles. Each receptacle is sized andshaped to securely receive a fiber optic connector and includes aninternal alignment sleeve defining an optical pathway. The alignmentsleeve is adapted to align a ferrule included on the mating fiber opticconnector to facilitate optical communication between two connectors.Each connector is securely received by oppositely aligned receptacles.Typically, the spacing between receptacles within a housing isrepresented by a pitch value (p). In a standard two receptacle adapteror quad adapter, adjacent receptacles are positioned at p=1. Thus, in aquad adapter, the distance between the two outermost receptacles isrepresented by p=3.

The present disclosure provides for a system that is effective insecuring a multiport fiber optic connector assembly. In an exemplaryembodiment, a system according to the present disclosure includes apatch cord connector assembly. The connector assembly, includes a patchcord terminated at both ends by a duplex connector. A user entering asecurity environment may be provided with a connector assemblycorresponding to that individual's designated level of security access.The assembly includes: (a) a first end terminated by a duplex connectoradapted to plug into the user's electronic device (e.g. a laptopcomputer); and (b) a second end terminated by a distinct duplexconnector sized and shaped to only mate and/or cooperate with anappropriate jack or adapter.

Each level of security clearance corresponds to a unique duplexconnector assembly. Each unique duplex connector assembly includes apair of individual connectors spaced apart by a predeterminedcorresponding pitch value (p). Each uniquely pitched duplex connectorassembly corresponds to a receiving adapter. Each receiving adaptercorresponds to an appropriate network. When an appropriate duplexconnector assembly is mated with an appropriate adapter, communicationwith the corresponding network is achievable.

Referring to FIG. 1, exemplary adapters uniquely pitched are shown. Eachadapter (e.g., 110, 120, 130, 140 and 150) includes a housing (e.g.,112, 122, 132, 142, and 152) defining a front face (e.g., 114, 124, 134,144, and 154). Each housing defines a width that is dimensioned to hosta pair of receptacles that are spaced apart with respect to each other.The width is generally selected so as to accommodate receptacle spacingof up to 3 pitch (3p). Thus, each adapter is sized and shaped to beequal size and shape to a standard quad adapter. However, each adapterassociated with the present disclosure includes only a single pair ofreceptacles spaced apart an appropriate pitch value (p) corresponding toan appropriate mating connector. For example, a 3p connector will onlymate and cooperate with a 3p adapter.

Referring to FIG. 1, a plurality of exemplary connector assemblies andcooperating adapters associated with the present disclosure are shown.FIG. 1 illustrates several exemplary duplex connector assemblies adaptedto mate with a corresponding adapter and communicate with acorresponding network. Each pair of connectors are spaced apart a uniquepitch value (p). Exemplary connector assembly 10 includes a pair ofindividual connectors 14, referred to as connector subassemblies 14,extending outwardly with respect to a connector housing clip 11, and thesubassemblies are spaced apart a pitch value of p=1, which will bereferred to as a 1p connector. In an exemplary embodiment, a duplexconnector assembly includes a pair of side by side connectorsubassemblies defining a pitch value not equal to one as illustrated byexemplary connectors 20 (1.5p), 30 (2p), 40 (2.5p), and 50 (3p).

Accordingly, each uniquely spaced apart connector mates with anappropriately spaced adapter unit as illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 1illustrates several exemplary duplex adapters formed as a quad widthhousing including only a pair of receptacles positioned in the frontface of the housing. Each pair of receptacles is spaced apart aparticular pitch value (p) and is adapted to receive and mate with onlyone appropriately spaced apart (i.e. pitched) duplex connector.Accordingly, adapter 110 (1p) cooperates and/or mates with connector 10;adapter 120 (1.5p) mates with connector 20; adapter 130 (2p) mates withconnector 30; adapter 140 (2.5p) mates with connector 40; and adapter150 (3p) mates with connector 50. According to the present disclosure,pitch value (p) is defined such that “1p” corresponds to the spacedapart distance between center lines passing through ferrules associatedwith an industry standard duplex connector/adapter.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded schematic of an exemplary connectorassembly 10. Assembly 10 includes a pair of connector subassemblies 14.Each subassembly defines an inner surface surrounding a ferrule 15. Inan exemplary embodiment, ferrule 15 is adapted to transmit and/orreceive optical and/or data signals for communication with a network oran electronic device. The signal(s) travel across patch cord 12illustrated in FIG. 1. Cord 12 extends rearwardly with respect tohousing clip 11. At least a portion of cord 12 is surrounded by aflexible protective feature 13, often referred to as a boot 13. In anexemplary embodiment, boot 13 is a serrated boot as illustrated in FIGS.1 and 2. Boot 13 is typically made from a flexible plastic material andis adapted to prevent undesired or destructive bending of cord 12.

The present disclosure provides for an exemplary embodiment such thateach connector subassembly 14 includes a trigger feature 19 for lockingthe subassembly with respect to a mating receptacle. Trigger feature 19must be depressed in order to release subassembly 14 from a matingreceptacle. Trigger feature 19 is typically formed on a top surface ofsubassembly 14 extending diagonally and upwardly with respect to the topsurface of subassembly 14. Ferrule housing 102 is typically positionedwith respect to a rear side of subassembly 14. Ferrule 15 is securelymounted with respect to ferrule housing 102 and extends through an innersubassembly cavity defined by subassembly 14. In an exemplaryembodiment, a pair of removable dust caps 103 can be utilized tosubstantially cover ferrules 15 when the connector assembly is not inuse. Dust caps 103 are adapted to prevent ferrules 15 from accumulatingdirt and/or dust when not in use. In an exemplary embodiment, eachconnector subassembly includes a push-pull latching mechanism (notshown) for inserting and securing the connector with respect to theadapter. A push-pull latching mechanism is typically utilized withrespect to an MU connector and/or an SC connector.

Subassemblies 14 and corresponding ferrule housings 102 are securelymounted with respect to connector housing clip 11. Housing clip 11includes an upper clip 18 and a lower clip 17 adapted to form anenclosure around a portion of cord 12 entering housing clip 11 throughboot 13, subassemblies 14 and ferrule housings 102. In an exemplaryembodiment, a crimp tube 101 is utilized to surround a rear portion ofhousing clip 11 to securely mount clip 11 with respect to boot 13. Crimptube 101 is further effective in retaining any aramid yarn (typically aKevlar strength member associated with the cable) with respect to theconnector subassembly and housing clip. Upper clip 18 includes aclipping feature 16 formed with respect to a top surface of upper clip18 and extending upwardly with respect to the top surface of upper clip18. Clipping feature 16, often referred to as a thumb clip, is sized andshaped to simultaneously depress both trigger features 19 associatedwith the pair of subassemblies 14.

Exemplary connector assemblies 20, 30, 40, and 50 as shown in FIG. 1include similar structural features of exemplary connector assembly 10except each feature is sized and shaped to appropriately cooperate witheach assemblies particular pitch value connector spacing. For example,connector assembly 50 is a 3p assembly and thus will have a widerhousing clip and thumb clip than a smaller pitched assembly.

Exemplary assemblies 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 include a single unitary cord(e.g., cord 12 associated with assembly 10). Each cord includes at leasttwo internal leads split within the housing clip and then terminated byindividual ferrules. In an exemplary embodiment, the cord can be a zipcord. A zip cord typically includes two side by side independent cordsintegrally formed and adapted to be easily separated to be independentlyterminated. Exemplary assemblies 10′, 20′, 30′ 40′ and 50′ includesimilar features as exemplary assemblies 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 exceptfor the inclusion of a zip cord rather than a single unitary cord. A zipcord embodiment separates the independent leads before being mountedwith respect to the housing clip. Accordingly, two boots (one for eachindependent lead) are utilized and the housing clip is sized and shapedto receive two separated independent cords rather than one. A zip cordembodiment allows for installation of a non-removable housing clip inthe field, thus significantly reducing risk of tampering and/or physicalsecurity breach. Moreover, an additional advantage associated with selffield installation includes increased convenience associated withterminating a desired number of uniquely pitched connector assemblieswithout pre-ordering from a supplier.

The present disclosure provides for systems including a plurality ofadapters, such that each adapter includes a pair of uniquely spacedapart receptacles adapted to cooperate and/or mate with a correspondingappropriately pitched connector assembly. FIG. 3 illustrates anexemplary multi-adapter assembly 300 associated with the presentdisclosure. Assembly 300 includes a wall plate 301 adapted to be mountedonto a wall and host a plurality of quad width adapters. In an exemplaryembodiment, wall plate 301 includes a pair of mounting apertures 302adapted to receive a mounting feature such as a screw, a nut, a post, abolt or a nail. In an exemplary embodiment, adapters associated with thepresent disclosure are included and/or utilized in a modular cassettesystem and/or a patch panel system. Exemplary connector assemblies canbe included and/or utilized in a trunk cable systems, patch cablesystems, and/or horizontal cabling systems.

In an exemplary embodiment, wall plate 301 hosts three quad widthadapters. Each adapter includes a pair of uniquely pitched receptaclesadapted to cooperate with an appropriately pitched duplex connectorassembly. Adapter 120 (e.g., a 1.5p adapter) includes a pair ofreceptacles 121 spaced apart a pitch value of p=1.5. Adapter 130 is a 2padapter and adapter 140 is a 2.5p adapter. Each adapter will only matewith a similarly pitched connector assembly. Thus adapter 120 can matewith an exemplary connector 20 or 20′ (e.g., a 1.5p connector from FIG.1), adapter 130 can mate with an exemplary connector 30 or 30′, andadapter 140 can mate with an exemplary connector 40 or 40′.

FIG. 4 illustrates a front face view of an exemplary 1p adapter 110(a)and connector assembly 10(a) associated with the present disclosure.Adapter 10(a) includes a housing 112(a) defining a front face 114(a).Positioned within front face 114(a) is a pair of receptacles 111(a)spaced apart a pitch value p=1. Each receptacle 111(a) includes aninternal alignment sleeve 113(a) adapted to receive a ferrule 15(a)associated with a 1p connector assembly 10(a). In an exemplaryembodiment, receptacles 111(a) each include a protruding boss feature411 and connector subassemblies 14(a) each define a relief portion 401adapted to allow mating of connector assembly 10(a) with adapter 10(a).

In an exemplary multi-adapter, each receptacle includes a protrudingboss feature positioned in relatively identical positions with respectto the inner surface of the receptacle. A multi-adapter protruding bossfeature embodiment prevents outside unauthorized patch cord connectorassemblies from accessing secured networks. For example, a user maybring a unauthorized terminated patch cord assembly into a secureenvironment and attempt mating with an adapter associated with a securenetwork. However, since the adapter includes the boss feature, theunauthorized patch cord will be incapable of mating with the adapterunless it defines an appropriate relief. Thus, the system will not matewith any generic patch cord assembly and will only cooperate withspecifically designed assemblies under the system owners control.

In an exemplary embodiment, each uniquely pitched connector assembly andcorresponding adapter is uniquely distinguished by a visual identifier.Exemplary visual identifiers include but are not limited to colorcoding, alphanumeric coding, unique symbol coding, and the like. Eachidentifier represents a unique security access level and or network.

Configuration described for exemplary assemblies 10-50, and assemblies10′-50′ can also be applied to other communication connector assembliesincluding but not limited to: LC, MT-RJ, SC, MU, E2000, and LX.5.

Although the present disclosure has been described with reference toexemplary embodiments and implementations thereof, the disclosed systemsand methods are not limited to such exemplaryembodiments/implementations. Rather, as will be readily apparent topersons skilled in the art from the description provided herein, thedisclosed systems and methods are susceptible to modifications,alterations and enhancements without departing from the spirit or scopeof the present disclosure. Accordingly, the present disclosure expresslyencompasses such modification, alterations and enhancements within thescope hereof.

1-21. (canceled)
 22. A method for securing a communications networksystem comprising: (a) providing a plurality of adapters, each adaptercorresponding to a particular information network and including a pairof receptacles hosted within a housing defining a width that isdimensioned to host the pair of receptacles that are spaced apart withrespect to each other, the width being is selected so as to permit thehousing of the adapter to accommodate receptacle spacing arrangementsdefining respective pitch values of up to 3p; (b) providing a pluralityof patch cord connector assemblies, each patch cord connector assemblyincluding a patch cord terminated at least at one end by a duplexconnector, the duplex connector including a pair of connectorsubassemblies and a connector housing clip adapted to enclose andsecurely position at least a portion of the terminated end of the patchcord and at least a portion of each of a pair of ferrule housings,wherein each connector subassembly defines an inner cavity to allow aferrule mounted with respect to one of the pair of ferrule housings topass through the connector subassembly, each connector subassemblyextending outwardly with respect to both the connector housing clip andthe ferrule housings and wherein the pair of connector subassemblies isadapted to securely mate with a corresponding pair of receptaclesassociated with a corresponding adapter; and (c) for each connectorassembly of the plurality thereof, spacing apart each of the pair ofconnector subassemblies and each of the pair of corresponding pair ofreceptacles to the extent of a particular pitch value whereby saidconnector assembly will mate and cooperate with the correspondingadapter.
 23. The method according to claim 22, wherein the pitch valuefor each of the connector assemblies and corresponding adapters isdifferent from the pitch value for any other of the connector assembliesand corresponding adapters.
 24. The method according to claim 22,wherein each pitch value for the connector assemblies and adapters is ina range from about 1p to about 3p.
 25. The method according to claim 22,wherein the plurality of adapters is hosted within a wall plate andwherein the pitch value for each adapter of the plurality of adapters isdifferent from the pitch value for any other adapter of the plurality ofadapters.
 26. The method according to claim 22, wherein each of theplurality of adapters corresponding to a particular information network,facilitates communication between a corresponding connector assembly andthe network when the corresponding connector assembly is mated with theadapter, and wherein each receptacle associated with each adapterdefines an optical pathway to facilitate optical communication betweenthe corresponding mating connector assembly and the particularinformation network.
 27. The method according to claim 26, wherein eachreceptacle associated with each of the plurality of adapters furtherincludes a ferrule alignment sleeve adapted to receive and align acorresponding ferrule to facilitate communication between the connectorassembly and the corresponding network.
 28. The method according toclaim 22, wherein each of the receptacles of the plurality of adaptersfurther includes a protruding boss feature and each of the connectorsubassemblies associated with each of the connector assemblies defines arelief adapted to cooperate with a corresponding protruding bossfeature.
 29. The method system according to claim 22, wherein each ofthe adapters and corresponding connector assemblies are marked with amatching visual identification selected from the group consisting ofcolor, alphanumeric, and symbol.
 30. A method for securing a pluralityof communications channels, said method comprising: (a) providing aplurality of data outlets, each data outlet including a pair ofreceptacles, said receptacles spaced apart relative to one another byone of a plurality of pitches, wherein each data outlet is associatedwith one of a plurality of communications channels, (b) providing apatch cord connector assembly, said patch cord connector assemblyincluding a patch cord terminated at least at one end by a duplexconnector, said duplex connector including a pair of connectorsubassemblies and a connector housing clip, said connector subassembliessecured in fixed position relative to one another by the connectorhousing clip, said connector subassemblies spaced apart from one anotherby one of the plurality of pitches, (c) providing access to apermissible data channel of the plurality of data channels, wherein thepitch of the connector subassemblies of the patch cord connectorassembly is substantially the same as the pitch of the receptacles of adata outlet associated with the permissible data channel, such that thepatch cord connector assembly is capable of mating with the data outletassociated with the permissible data channel; (d) restricting access toa restricted data channel of the plurality of data channels, wherein thepitch of the connector subassemblies of the patch cord connectorassembly is substantially different from the pitch of the receptacles ofa data outlet associated with the restricted data channel, such that thepatch cord connector assembly is incapable of mating with the dataoutlet associated with the restricted data channel.
 31. The methodaccording to claim 30, wherein each communication channel associatedwith each data outlet includes a pair of communication pathways, thepair of communication pathways corresponding to the pair of receptaclesof the data outlet, wherein the pair of communication pathways includesan outgoing communication pathway and incoming communication pathway.32. The method according to claim 30, wherein each communication channelassociated with each data outlet is further associated with aninformation network.
 33. The method according to claim 30, wherein thecommunication channels are optical communication channels.
 34. Themethod according to claim 30, wherein the communication channels areelectrical communication channels
 35. The method according to claim 30,wherein each of the receptacles of the plurality of adapters furtherincludes a protruding boss feature and each of the subassembliesassociated with the patch cord connector assembly defines a reliefadapted to cooperate with a corresponding protruding boss feature. 36.The method according to claim 30, wherein each connector subassemblydefines defining an inner cavity to allow a ferrule mounted with respectto one of a pair of ferrule housings to pass through the connectorsubassembly, and wherein the connector housing clip is adapted toenclose and securely position at least a portion of the terminated endof the patch cord and at least a portion of each of a pair of ferrulehousings.